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San Diego to the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise Reviews

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277 reviews

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1-10 of 277 San Diego to the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise Reviews


Through the Canal, bucket list item checked!

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zaandam

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baldwinjl
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

I have wanted to see the Panama Canal for longer than I want to talk about! Had an offer which made the two week cruise reasonable enough to pull the trigger, and had a great time! I saw a previous review that said this was the worst ship ever, I just don't see that. Is it older? Yes. But it is aging pretty well. The carpets, furniture, and other fittings have clearly been kept up. The ...
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Sail Date: April 2023

Cabin Type: Verandah Suite


Great trip in the Panama Canal

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zaandam

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RetiredFLRN
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

We started in San Diego and ended up in our home state, which made this a fun trip! We had several family tragedies the months leading up to the trip and it was nice to get away, just the two of us. We have been in the canal before but never end to end. The history and discussion the cruise director did really brought the history of the canal to life. The stop in Guatemala we so ...
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Sail Date: April 2023

Cabin Type: Large Ocean-View Stateroom


Yes, it is literally "the worst ship I've ever been on."

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zaandam

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jim87
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

Chose this ship for the itinerary. Big mistake. Dated in all ways.So lacking in accessible features I can't believe it's ADA compliant. They are carrying wheelchair guests off the ship by hand. In the tiny casino you may earn enough points to qualify for free drinks while playing. But.... Good luck finding a server. Few activities on seadays. You are expected to amuse yourself. Entertainment ...
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Sail Date: February 2023

Cabin Type: Large Ocean-View Stateroom

Traveled with disabled person


Wonderful Time Through Panama Canal

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Zaandam

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CruisingPoof
10+ Cruises • Age 40s

This was a 14 day Panama Canal journey from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale. Zaandam is a smaller ship and doesn't have a lot of "bells and whistles" but has a lot to offer. Passengers were on the older side and only 14 or so children on board. Staff and crew were excellent. Never a long wait for a drink or to get something from the Lido buffet. Pools and hot tubs were never really very ...
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Sail Date: February 2023

Cabin Type: Neptune Deluxe Verandah Suite


Mostly Great, but some Major Glitches

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Norwegian Jewel

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NH_Wave_Rider
6-10 Cruises • Age 70s

We chose this cruise because we had not visited any of the ports of call before, and we have always wanted to see the Panama Canal. The Issues: We were disappointed that Nicaragua was cancelled, due to Covid Protocols. We were not told about this until we were on board. More notice should have been given to all passengers. I think NCL knew well in advance about this situation, and could ...
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Sail Date: January 2023

Cabin Type: Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony


NCL Jewel: Panama Canal with Mexican Riviera & Central America

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Norwegian Jewel

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Sitting here
2-5 Cruises • Age 40s

The Travelers: Early 50's empty nesters. This was our fifth cruise, third with NCL, and the second time we’ve cruised without the kids. I’ll say going in that overall I was pleased with NCL, and especially with the Jewel and her crew. It wasn’t perfect, no trip ever is, but it sure was a great vacation. The Cruise: NCL Jewel 12-night, San Diego to Colon, Panama via the Panama Canal with port ...
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Sail Date: January 2023


Comfortable ship, great service

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Norwegian Jewel

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disudds
10+ Cruises • Age 60s

Our cruise from San Diego through the Panama Canal was almost perfect. With only 1600 passengers aboard, the ship was full of life and still had plenty of room to avoid lines and dance the night away. The most surprising part of the cruise was the quality of the food, which has always been good and was even better than usual on this cruise. The menu changed each day, repeating itself later in ...
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Sail Date: January 2023

Cabin Type: Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony


Panama Canal amazing experience!

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Norwegian Jewel

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MkeCruzn
6-10 Cruises • Age 40s

Itinerary We were on a repositioning itinerary from 7-night Mexican Riviera to Panama Canal. We selected this cruise because we would visit some different countries while traveling towards the canal. The following itineraries will be in the southern Caribbean, but still with a Panama Canal crossing. There were only about 1500 passengers onboard, so it was much easier than normal to reserve a ...
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Sail Date: January 2023

Cabin Type: Mid-Ship Mini-Suite with Balcony


No explanation why we didn’t stop at Nicaragua, which was what we paid for.

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Norwegian Jewel

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jmallen04
6-10 Cruises • Age 50s

Plus Food was normally pretty good Staff were mostly polite and accommodating Minus Not stopping at Nicaragua changed the dynamic of the cruise. Too many days at sea. Also, no explanation or apology, just a note on arrival. Not acceptable The constant announcements through the canal starting at 6am, and going all day, was a real distraction. Entertainment was somewhere between ...
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Sail Date: January 2023

Cabin Type: The Haven 2-Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony


We Had A Great Trip1

Review for a Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Norwegian Jewel

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Keyboardlady
6-10 Cruises • Age 60s

I am taking a few moments to write a review as several I've read since returning from our trip are rather negative. Our experience was very positive. I should note, we have cruised on other lines (Celebrity, Carnival, Holland America, etc) and this is not our first boat ride. Also, traveling when we did the ship was not sold out (in fact, it was at about 60% of guest capacity) and the "crowd" ...
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Sail Date: January 2023


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